I love this picture because it shows how versatile humans can be. We have the ability to do many things, express many different emotions, think a wide variety of thoughts and live the life we choose to live. Recently, I became a grandfather again (for the 8th time) and it is marvelous to see that little baby change before my eyes... on a daily basis. I wonder what she will be when she grows up, what kind of choices she will make and what life will be like when SHE IS 60? I wish Sara the best of all things; why, I guess its the same reason found in this passage from the Psalms.

Ps 8:1Yahweh, our Lord, how majestic is your name in all the earth, Who has set your glory above the heavens!2 From the lips of babes and infants you have established strength, Because of your adversaries, that you might silence the enemy and the avenger.3 When I consider your heavens, the work of your fingers, The moon and the stars, which you have ordained;4 What is man, that you think of him? The son of man, that you care for him?5 For you have made him a little lower than God,And crowned him with glory and honor.6 You make him ruler over the works of your hands. You have put all things under his feet:7 All sheep and oxen, Yes, and the animals of the field,8 The birds of the sky, the fish of the sea, And whatever passes through the paths of the seas.9 Yahweh, our Lord, How majestic is your name in all the earth! WEB

Doesn't say why directly, does it? However, if you think back to the book of Genesis you will find that God made man in his image and according to his likeness. Why, because God loves us; simplistic, but true. As for me, well, I love the possibility of a little bit of me seeing the 22nd century. Hopefully, she will learn this passage and learn to praise God, who has set this all in motion. I really love that thought!!!!!!!!!!

Yours means yours and not MINE!

Today, it is fashionable to expect the GOVERNMENT to give you the things you want or need. Couple this with one very large trend of lack of personal responsibility and you have a disaster waiting to happen. Something for nothing has become the mantra of our government. This is not only unfair to those who have to work for what they have, but if just about everyone does it, society as we know it is doomed. There was a similar problem in New Testament times and the Apostle Paul writes to the Thessalonians about it.

2 Thess 3:6-12
6 Now we command you, brothers, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you withdraw yourselves from every brother who walks in rebellion, and not after the tradition which they received from us.
7 For you know how you ought to imitate us. For we didn't behave ourselves rebelliously among you,
8 neither did we eat bread from anyone's hand without paying for it, but in labor and travail worked night and day, that we might not burden any of you;
9 not because we don't have the right, but to make ourselves an example to you, that you should imitate us.
10 For even when we were with you, we commanded you this: "If anyone will not work, neither let him eat."
11 For we hear of some who walk among you in rebellion, who don't work at all, but are busybodies.
12 Now those who are that way, we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ, that with quietness they work, and eat their own bread. WEB

Please note that refusal to work is characterized as rebellion. Strong words given further emphasis by the Apostle who worked for a living. Paul made tents and served the God of Heaven on his own time. He had every right to expect monetary help for his efforts to spread the Gospel, but he gave up that right so that his message might carry more weight to his listeners. If you claim to follow Christ....work. There are jobs out there; you may not like them, but they are there. Otherwise, why are so many aliens coming into the USA from Mexico? Think this is a hard stance? Well, reread the passage again; it is very plain. As far as the picture above goes, well, I don't mind paying my own bills, I just think its wrong for someone else to expect me to pay theirs.

Choose Wisely (video link)

There has been a lot of political talk lately and with good reason. Bail-outs, corruption, increasing government control, intrusion into our lives and the erosion of our personal liberties. Its enough to make the mind reel in disgust. I shutter to even think what this country will be like for my grand children. Government is not the answer; we don't need charismatic leaders, we need God. People need the moral direction that only God provides. In this time of change we need to look to Jesus and not to our own devices. Consider the following passage from the book of John.

John 19:13-22
13 When Pilate therefore heard these words, he brought Jesus out, and sat down on the judgment seat at a place called "The Pavement," but in Hebrew, "Gabbatha."
14 Now it was the Preparation Day of the Passover, at about the sixth hour. He said to the Jews, "Behold, your King!"
15 They cried out, "Away with him! Away with him! Crucify him!" Pilate said to them, "Shall I crucify your King?" The chief priests answered, "We have no king but Caesar!"
16 So then he delivered him to them to be crucified. So they took Jesus and led him away.
17 He went out, bearing his cross, to the place called "The Place of a Skull," which is called in Hebrew, "Golgotha,"
18 where they crucified him, and with him two others, on either side one, and Jesus in the middle.
19 Pilate wrote a title also, and put it on the cross. There was written, "JESUS OF NAZARETH, THE KING OF THE JEWS."
20 Therefore many of the Jews read this title, for the place where Jesus was crucified was near the city; and it was written in Hebrew, in Latin, and in Greek.
21 The chief priests of the Jews therefore said to Pilate, "Don't write, 'The King of the Jews,' but, 'he said, I am King of the Jews.'"
22 Pilate answered, "What I have written, I have written." WEB

The Jews made THE WRONG CHOICE; THEY CHOSE CAESAR! Lets not make the same sort of mistake. Governments rise and fall because of sin and the sooner America realizes this the better. When we choose God's way, we strengthen our country, when Caesar is the choice...... so, choose wisely!!

No more fog

The other day I finally got out of the house and none to early as I had a bad case of cabin fever. I went to my favorite place (Barnes and Nobel) along with my wife and two of my grand kids. Linda took Elizabeth and I had young Michael. Its wasn't long before we found ourselves in the Sci-fi section (Mike loves Star Wars) and I was a bit surprised to learn that he had read almost everything they had. I suggested a Sherlock Holmes book and he said "No, mysteries are boring because I know the answer long before the book tells me about it. I didn't argue with him, because I have no doubt that he does; he is just that smart. I like mysteries and this picture holds one. There probably is a lush blanket of forest behind all that fog, but who knows, I could be in for a surprise. Which is exactly what I like about mysteries in the first place. Its the Ah-ha moment that I enjoy. This passage from the book of Ephesians has one of these moments; I hope you enjoy it.

Eph 3:1-19 For this cause I, Paul, am the prisoner of Christ Jesus on behalf of you Gentiles,2 if it is so that you have heard of the administration of that grace of God which was given me toward you;3 how that by revelation the mystery was made known to me, as I wrote before in few words,4 by which, when you read, you can perceive my understanding in the mystery of Christ;5 which in other generations was not made known to the children of men, as it has now been revealed to his holy apostles and prophets in the Spirit;6 that the Gentiles are fellow heirs, and fellow members of the body, and fellow partakers of his promise in Christ Jesus through the Good News,7 of which I was made a servant, according to the gift of that grace of God which was given me according to the working of his power.8 To me, the very least of all saints, was this grace given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,9 and to make all men see what is the administration of the mystery which for ages has been hidden in God, who created all things through Jesus Christ;10 to the intent that now through the assembly the manifold wisdom of God might be made known to the principalities and the powers in the heavenly places,11 according to the eternal purpose which he purposed in Christ Jesus our Lord;12 in whom we have boldness and access in confidence through our faith in him.13 Therefore I ask that you may not lose heart at my troubles for you, which are your glory.14 For this cause, I bow my knees to the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,15 from whom every family in heaven and on earth is named,16 that he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, that you may be strengthened with power through his Spirit in the inward man;17 that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith; to the end that you, being rooted and grounded in love,18 may be strengthened to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth,19 and to know Christ's love which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God. WEB

God had worked with the Jews for a long, long time. No human could have ever been as patient as God was with them. They were stubborn, rebellious and just plain difficult to work with. But God had a plan; include all humanity. It must have been quite a surprise for the Gentiles to know that God cared for them as well, but there you go.... surprise. The fog has lifted and the beauty of God's will is revealed. Hope for everyone, heaven for everyone and all we have to do is what Jesus wants us to do. Simple, direct, and to the point. No more fog, mystery solved.

You did "what"?

Even the "king" of beasts looks like he is having a problem at home. And by the look on "her" face, it appears that he has an uphill battle. Those of us who have been married awhile, know how truly different men and women are; they just think differently. If you have a few moments, read the following passage from the book of Ephesians and give it a little thought.

Eph 5:22-33
22 Wives, be subject to your own husbands, as to the Lord.23 For the husband is the head of the wife, and Christ also is the head of the assembly, being himself the savior of the body.24 But as the assembly is subject to Christ, so let the wives also be to their own husbands in everything.25 Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the assembly, and gave himself up for it;26 that he might sanctify it, having cleansed it by the washing of water with the word,27 that he might present the assembly to himself gloriously, not having spot or wrinkle or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.28 Even so ought husbands also to love their own wives as their own bodies. He who loves his own wife loves himself.29 For no man ever hated his own flesh; but nourishes and cherishes it, even as the Lord also does the assembly;30 because we are members of his body, of his flesh and bones.31 "For this cause a man will leave his father and mother, and will be joined to his wife. The two will become one flesh."32 This mystery is great, but I speak concerning Christ and of the assembly.33 Nevertheless each of you must also love his own wife even as himself; and let the wife see that she respects her husband.WEB

OK, sometimes there just has to be a "final word" that stops all discussion and this is the role of the male. However, the times that this happens in my household have decreased sharply with each passing decade because as time goes by we understand one another better. This isn't the primary focus of the passage, however; love is. If we love one another, we will TRY TO UNDERSTAND, TRY TO GET ALONG, TRY TO WORK THINGS OUT. Notice a key word here? No, its not TRY, but rather love. Christ is the example, love is the motivation, harmony is the outcome. Of course there will be problems, but I like to think of them more as opportunities to grow rather than obstacles to overcome. So, the next time there is a difference of opinion, remember that marriage is more than a physical cohabitation, it is a spiritual union, with the God of all the Earth, right there, helping you, guiding you and loving you though it all. By the way, its also a good idea not to show your teeth at your spouse; you might regret it.

Billy

I went to Seffner yesterday to pick up my medications and I guess the sight of my neck collar was a little upsetting to some of my co-workers. I have had it on a week now and am getting used to it, but had forgotten about those who haven't seen me in awhile. Then I realized that I must have looked a lot like my brother-in-law Billy. He had a neck problem and could only move his head about as much as I can now, so I even though its been several decades, I can finally relate a bit more to his situation. This picture was taken the year he was killed by a drunk driver and is the last one we have of him. He wasn't super-smart, didn't have many skills and in general was just an ordinary guy. But, I will always remember him most because he personified the following verse of Scripture more than anyone else I have ever met.

Mic 6:8
8 He has shown you, O man, what is good. What does Yahweh require of you, but to act justly, To love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? WEB

To have only lived 21 years and to be remembered this way is quite an accomplishment. And, OH, yes, he adored my girls as well.

Optimism

I think I would like to meet the driver of the car on the left. Talk about optimism! His (or her) car seems to be in a state of disrepair, yet that doesn't seem to be a problem.... its time to pass, nonetheless. Obstacles are only obstacles if you let them be and obviously this person doesn't even know the meaning of the word. Take a look at the following list and see if you can see the reason for their boldness.

2 Sam 23:8-39
8 These are the names of the mighty men whom David had: Josheb Basshebeth a Tahchemonite, chief of the captains; the same was Adino the Eznite, against eight hundred slain at one time.9 After him was Eleazar the son of Dodai the son of an Ahohite, one of the three mighty men with David, when they defied the Philistines who were there gathered together to battle, and the men of Israel were gone away.10 He arose, and struck the Philistines until his hand was weary, and his hand froze to the sword; and Yahweh worked a great victory that day; and the people returned after him only to take spoil.11 After him was Shammah the son of Agee a Hararite. The Philistines were gathered together into a troop, where was a plot of ground full of lentils; and the people fled from the Philistines.12 But he stood in the midst of the plot, and defended it, and killed the Philistines; and Yahweh worked a great victory.13 Three of the thirty chief men went down, and came to David in the harvest time to the cave of Adullam; and the troop of the Philistines was encamped in the valley of Rephaim.14 David was then in the stronghold; and the garrison of the Philistines was then in Bethlehem.15 David longed, and said, Oh that one would give me water to drink of the well of Bethlehem, which is by the gate!16 The three mighty men broke through the army of the Philistines, and drew water out of the well of Bethlehem, that was by the gate, and took it, and brought it to David: but he would not drink of it, but poured it out to Yahweh.17 He said, Be it far from me, Yahweh, that I should do this: shall I drink the blood of the men who went in jeopardy of their lives? therefore he would not drink it. These things did the three mighty men.18 Abishai, the brother of Joab, the son of Zeruiah, was chief of the three. He lifted up his spear against three hundred and killed them, and had a name among the three.19 Wasn't he most honorable of the three? therefore he was made their captain: however he didn't attain to the first three.20 Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, the son of a valiant man of Kabzeel, who had done mighty deeds, he killed the two sons of Ariel of Moab: he went down also and killed a lion in the midst of a pit in time of snow.21 He killed an Egyptian, a goodly man: and the Egyptian had a spear in his hand; but he went down to him with a staff, and plucked the spear out of the Egyptian's hand, and killed him with his own spear.22 These things did Benaiah the son of Jehoiada, and had a name among the three mighty men.23 He was more honorable than the thirty, but he didn't attain to the first three. David set him over his guard.24 Asahel the brother of Joab was one of the thirty; Elhanan the son of Dodo of Bethlehem,25 Shammah the Harodite, Elika the Harodite,26 Helez the Paltite, Ira the son of Ikkesh the Tekoite,27 Abiezer the Anathothite, Mebunnai the Hushathite,28 Zalmon the Ahohite, Maharai the Netophathite,29 Heleb the son of Baanah the Netophathite, Ittai the son of Ribai of Gibeah of the children of Benjamin,30 Benaiah a Pirathonite, Hiddai of the brooks of Gaash.31 Abialbon the Arbathite, Azmaveth the Barhumite,32 Eliahba the Shaalbonite, the sons of Jashen, Jonathan,33 Shammah the Hararite, Ahiam the son of Sharar the Ararite,34 Eliphelet the son of Ahasbai, the son of the Maacathite, Eliam the son of Ahithophel the Gilonite,35 Hezro the Carmelite, Paarai the Arbite,36 Igal the son of Nathan of Zobah, Bani the Gadite,37 Zelek the Ammonite, Naharai the Beerothite, armor bearers to Joab the son of Zeruiah,38 Ira the Ithrite, Gareb the Ithrite,39 Uriah the Hittite: thirty-seven in all.WEB

If you guessed that God was with each one of these men... you were right! Problems, impossibilities, difficulties and all sorts of obstacles are really opportunities if God is made part of the picture. You may not have a lot to work with (like the engine in the left vehicle) but God can use it anyway. Though it might be a good idea to put a full sized tire on before attempting something really ambitious. Vroom, Vroom... time to go!

The three cookie ant

This little guy is impressive! Gram for gram he makes Mr. "I'll be back" look like a 97 pound weakling. I have no idea how it is possible for someone so small to carry something so big, but just look at him! People are like ants; we all have capabilities, some of us can naturally carry more than others. This applies not only to strength, but to responsibility and emotional stability as well. How about Spiritual matters? The Jews had rules, and more rules and rules on top of their rules to protect their rules (called a hedge around the law). Jesus came with a renewed vision of Grace and suddenly living was easier.

Matt 11:28-30
28 "Come to me, all you who labor and are heavily burdened, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart; and you will find rest for your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light."WEB

Why would the above verses be true? The answer is found behind the reason why we listen to God in the first place. If we follow an arbitrary rule, it is a conceptual thing, but if we do what we do based on a relationship, well, that is an entirely different matter. Have you ever noticed that if you really love someone, whatever you do for them doesn't seem to be burdensome or overbearing? Jesus came to usher in a new way to obey God... love! With love, God's ways are easy and with much love, easier still. What's next? A four cookie ant?

Unforgettable

I think its a sofa, but it could be single bed. Who does it belong to? In a word... Abby on N.C.I.S.. You know her; the Gothic analytical chemist, who is part innocent, part genius, part weirdo. And Oh, yes, fully intriguing. She is the sort of character you just can't forget; someone whose every action seems etched on your brain. For me, John the Baptist seems just like her, thoroughly unforgettable.

Matt 3:1-12
3 In those days, John the Baptizer came, preaching in the wilderness of Judea, saying,2 "Repent, for the Kingdom of Heaven is at hand!"3 For this is he who was spoken of by Isaiah the prophet, saying, "The voice of one crying in the wilderness, Make ready the way of the Lord, Make his paths straight."4 Now John himself wore clothing made of camel's hair, with a leather belt around his waist. His food was locusts and wild honey.5 Then people from Jerusalem, all of Judea, and all the region around the Jordan went out to him.6 They were baptized by him in the Jordan, confessing their sins.7 But when he saw many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming for his baptism, he said to them, "You offspring of vipers, who warned you to flee from the wrath to come?8 Therefore bring forth fruit worthy of repentance!9 Don't think to yourselves, 'We have Abraham for our father,' for I tell you that God is able to raise up children to Abraham from these stones.10 "Even now the axe lies at the root of the trees. Therefore, every tree that doesn't bring forth good fruit is cut down, and cast into the fire.11 I indeed baptize you in water for repentance, but he who comes after me is mightier than I, whose shoes I am not worthy to carry. He will baptize you in the Holy Spirit.12 His winnowing fork is in his hand, and he will thoroughly cleanse his threshing floor. He will gather his wheat into the barn, but the chaff he will burn up with unquenchable fire. WEB

He didn't mince words, he spoke directly and his overall appearance would have been something you never would forget. I WOULD LISTEN WHEN HE SPOKE; HE COULD NOT BE IGNORED. I wish he was here today because America needs someone as direct as him. Repent means repent; change is needed today. Not change for the sake of change, but change with a view to reform. Today, like in the time of the Baptist, there are many, many people who are going through the motions of religion, but the heart felt substance of it is far, far from them. Instead of cash for clunkers, we need soft hearts instead of insensitive ones. Jesus will be back soon and judgment will be decisive. Listen, and remember; there will be a test.

A "little" or "big" problem?

Stonehenge is a symbol most of us recognize as relating to the afterlife. All the world over, people have to face death sometime. This week I came though a delicate neck surgery OK. But it could have just as easily NOT been OK, as the time I spent in ICU revealed. Before the surgery, the "odds" for a favorable outcome seemed good, but I have had surgery in that general area twice before, so I was forced to consider the possibility that I would not make it. Somehow, it didn't bother me because I remembered this passage from the book of Acts.

Acts 2:22-37
22 "Men of Israel, hear these words! Jesus of Nazareth, a man approved by God to you by mighty works and wonders and signs which God did by him in the midst of you, even as you yourselves know,23 him, being delivered up by the determined counsel and foreknowledge of God, you have taken by the hand of lawless men, crucified and killed;24 whom God raised up, having freed him from the agony of death, because it was not possible that he should be held by it.25 For David says concerning him, 'I saw the Lord always before my face, For he is on my right hand, that I should not be moved.26 Therefore my heart was glad, and my tongue rejoiced. Moreover my flesh also will dwell in hope;27 Because you will not leave my soul in Hades, Neither will you allow your Holy One to see decay.28 You made known to me the ways of life. You will make me full of gladness with your presence.'29 "Brothers, I may tell you freely of the patriarch David, that he both died and was buried, and his tomb is with us to this day.30 Therefore, being a prophet, and knowing that God had sworn with an oath to him that of the fruit of his body, according to the flesh, he would raise up the Christ to sit on his throne,31 he foreseeing this spoke about the resurrection of the Christ, that neither was his soul left in Hades, nor did his flesh see decay.32 This Jesus God raised up, to which we all are witnesses.33 Being therefore exalted by the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this, which you now see and hear.34 For David didn't ascend into the heavens, but he says himself, 'The Lord said to my Lord, "Sit by my right hand,35 Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."'36 "Let all the house of Israel therefore know assuredly that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified."37 Now when they heard this, they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, "Brothers, what shall we do?"WEB

For me, this passage settles the matter; Jesus has taken care of the "little problem" of death, so really its no big deal. However, I know of quite a few others for whom it will be a "big problem" and if you find yourself in this category, then perhaps you might ask yourself the question found in verse 37. Don't look to "stones", or "stars" or "good works" to solve your problems, rather look to Jesus instead. If you have a few minutes, go to Acts 2 and read the next verse (38), and you will see the answer Peter and the Apostles gave in response to this question. That answer still works today; no problem!